Program

Michigan Citizen Planner

The Michigan Citizen Planner program at Michigan State University offers land use education and training to locally appointed and elected planning officials throughout Michigan. Michigan Citizen Planner is a non-credit course series leading to a certificate of completion awarded by Michigan State University Extension. Advanced training to earn the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) credential is also available. This program is offered in a classroom setting. The Citizen Planner Online program is currently on sabbatical until mid-2015 while it is being upgraded to newer online course technology.

Michigan Citizen Planner participants report that the program fosters a greater awareness of land use decision makers’ roles and responsibilities, resulting in more livable communities, the protection and conservation of natural resources, and better overall land use decisions throughout Michigan.

To see all upcoming Citizen Planner events, click on “View more events” in the upper-right corner of the Events box.

Michigan Citizen Planner Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning

Michigan Citizen Planner offers a seven-week, non-credit course called “Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning” that leads to an optional certificate of completion awarded by MSU Extension. Earning the certificate involves the successful completion of seven core sessions.

Courses are held for consecutive weeks at a local facility. Each session is designed to be approximately 2½ hours in length and includes hands-on learning exercises. The seven core sessions of “Fundamentals of Planning and Zoning” provide a basic skill set and are required for certification. Participants with limited time may enroll in individual sessions of their choosing.

Those who are often appointed with little or no planning and zoning experience can rely on Michigan Citizen Planner programs that are proven to be comprehensive without being overwhelming. Elected and appointed citizen planners who have attended Michigan Citizen Planner courses testify to the value of learning the latest in the art and science of land use planning.

Master Citizen Planner

Participants that complete the Master Citizen Planner (MCP) program receive incentives, such as course discounts, exclusive training opportunities, and scholarships for annual conferences and regional training offered by partnering organizations. The MCP designation is an achievement recognized as the standard of excellence among planning officials and community leaders in Michigan.

The MCP credentialing program was developed to provide advanced skill development and a benchmark for continuing education among Michigan elected and appointed officials, and citizen volunteers.